"Many of the objectives of the Rangers for Carlos go beyond one year," his agent, Scott Boras, said Wednesday. "Certainly Carlos really enjoyed the team and the environment and feels he's got a great chance to win. So I think both parties' objectives were met by that deal."

The 31-year-old Gomez, a two-time All-Star selection and Gold Glove winner, replaces the void in center field left by free agent Ian Desmond.

"J.D. was very clear from the onset about them wanting Carlos back, and we've had communication since the season's end to pursue that," Boras said. "So it was something in our minds and in their minds. It was just a constant dialogue."

The Rangers, short on outfield depth after Desmond's departure, had been rumored to be interested in trading for the Reds' Billy Hamilton, the Cubs' Jorge Soler and others.